The 6th Democratic Presidential Debate In 100 Words (And Three Videos)

The spectrum of issues surrounding race – the inequities of the criminal justice system, unjust policing and crippling effects of poverty – became a major focal point of Thursday night’s presidential debate, marking a critical juncture in the race as Democratic candidates vie to appeal to an increasingly diverse electorate.

Sanders also took a swipe against Clinton for taking the advice of Henry Kissinger, whom he called “one of the most destructive secretaries of state in the modern history of this country”.

Members of the Clinton campaign quickly seized on Sanders’ answer, calling it a dig at President Barack Obama.

“The idea that we someday maybe have decent relations with Iran, maybe put pressure on them so they end their support for terrorism around the world, yes, that is something I want to achieve”, he said.

Sanders stuck to his same message that he could rid the country of the so-called billionaire class better than an establishment politician with ties to Wall Street while focusing much of his criticism on Republicans.

Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger made an appearance – at least in spirit – at Thursday’s Democratic debate when Hillary Clinton named him as one of her influences in foreign policy matters, and Sen.

“We have a special obligation to make clear what we stand for, which is why I think we should not make promises we can’t keep”, Clinton said. While Bernie Sanders continued to compound on his big-picture themes of income inequality and affordable education, Clinton countered with detailed, specific policies to support her own stances and challenge Sanders to get specific on a few of his key issues.

In response to a question from a moderator, Clinton said she could not comment about the wealthy donations made to the super PAC, Priorities USA. “People aren’t dumb. Why in god’s name does Wall Street make huge campaign contributions?”

Sanders renewed his criticism of Clinton’s campaign benefiting from Wall Street donors and a super political action committee.

The two candidates jousted over foreign policy, with Clinton touting her substantial experience and Sanders again slamming her vote for the Iraq war in 2002 when she was in the Senate, and for supporting regime change in Libya.

“I want to follow up on something having to do with leadership, because, you know, today Senator Sanders said that President Obama failed the presidential leadership test”, she said. Bernie Sanders said he was fine with the fact that Kissinger wasn’t a friend.

Just as Sanders has been prone to initially take the rhetoric up a notch during the primary campaign, Clinton was equally inclined to match his commitment.

Clinton didn’t just stake her claim for Obama’s mantle, she proved she’s willing to brawl for it. Sanders, meanwhile, showed he’s getting more comfortable being the liberal that liberals always hoped Obama was at heart. “I listen to a wide variety of voices that have expertise in various areas”, she said.

With Democrats heading first to Nevada, the next Republican contest is in SC, known for its bruising, bare-knuckle politics. She said his proposal for a single-payer, Medicare-for-all healthcare plan would mean dismantling the program known as Obamacare and triggering another intense political struggle. Clinton said those proposals come with unrealistic price tags. “Well, it ain’t Henry Kissinger”, he said.

“The statistics from Wisconsin are particularly troubling, because it is the highest rate of incarceration for African-Americans in our nation, twice the national average”, Clinton said.

On the topic of Dodd-Frank, Sanders said he supported the legislation Obama signed into law in July 2010, but added that “it doesn’t go anywhere near far enough”. After their bruising battle in Iowa, won by a razor-thin margin by Clinton, and the thumping win for Sanders in the Granite State earlier this week, the pair were relatively civil, discussing efforts to end institutional racism and improve the lives of minorities.